Wan Hai Lines orders methanol dual-fuel containership quartet in S. Korea

Taiwanese shipping company Wan Hai Lines has placed an order for four methanol dual-fuel containerships in South Korea.

As part of its fleet expansion program and decarbonization strategy, the shipowner signed a contract with HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, a subsidiary of South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), according to data provided by Intermodal.

The 8,700 TEU vessels are slated for delivery by May 2027. The price tag for the ships is $128 million.

To remind, in August this year, Wan Hai reported it signed a letter of intent (LOI) for twelve methanol dual-fuel container vessels, each with a capacity of around 8,000 TEUs.

This was the first time Wan Hai Lines ordered vessels with dual-fuel propulsion, opting for methanol as a marine fuel. Now, the company decided to expand its methanol-fueled boxship order book with four more ships. The firm follows the footsteps of its counterparts including Maersk, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Evergreen Marine and others.

Meanwhile, about a month ago, the shipowner christened the latest addition to its fleet, the energy-efficient WAN HAI A17, at Samsung Heavy Industries Geoje shipyard. The vessel is part of Wan Hai Lines’ broader strategy to modernize its fleet and increase capacity to respond to the ‘growing demand for efficient and reliable shipping services’.